Three Days in Paris France Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Day Guide

I get it! How do you spend only three days in Paris and feel like you’ve seen enough of the city to go home and tell your friends ‘I’ve been to Paris‘? The trouble is, the city of lights is just so vast and there is so much to explore! However, if you plan it right, then 72 hours in Paris can be just the right amount of time. And besides, even the briefest trip to the city is magical…

Included within this Parisian itinerary, you’ll find three completely different Paris itineraries for each day, meaning that even if you have more or less time in the City of Light, then you can follow each day individually and at your own pace.

Day one is all about classic Paris, day two is more of a chic guide, and day three is about getting to know the city on a more local level. If you’re staying in Paris for longer or less than 3 days, I’ve written a guide on how to spend one perfect day in Paris, and how to spend five incredible days in Paris.

Day One in Paris: The Classic Paris Itinerary

For your first day in the City of Love, you’ll want to tick off as much of your French bucket list as possible. As such, the first 24 hours are all about seeing those iconic places which you’ve no doubt seen on countless postcards prior to your city visit. So indulge your inner tourist and rest well the night before- you’ve got a lot of ground to cover!

Visit the Eiffel Tower for sunrise

What could possibly be more Parisian than catching a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower?! Start your day off the right way by partaking in an iconic photo walk along the Seine. Begin your stroll at Trocadero (metro line 9) and you’ll be greeted with a stunning water mirror shot of the Eiffel Tower.

From there, head east towards Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité. Along the way to the Louvre, note that one of the best places to snap photos of the Eiffel Tower is Passerelle Debilly, a small passenger footbridge that was first opened for the World’s fair in 1900.

Ever since then, The Eiffel accommodated millions of pedestrians, all eager to get a better view over the Eiffel Tower and Seine river. If you’re not an early riser, then the light from this bridge is also perfect around sunset and is pretty lovely during the day as well!

Unlike many other Paris itineraries, I don’t personally recommend ascending the Eiffel Tower! This is for a myriad of reasons, not least because you’ll want plenty of precious exploration time by queueing to go up. Instead, waiting in the line for the Arc de Triomphe is much more rewarding and provides better views over the city.

Spend the morning checking out the Louvre

After walking along the Seine for about 40 minutes, passing iconic sites such as the Alexandre iii bridge and the Tuileries Garden, you’ll reach the world-famous Louvre Museum with that iconic glass pyramid. When you think of the Louvre, your first thoughts are probably of elbowing your way through selfie sticks to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa.

However, the Louvre museum offers so much more than a maybe smiling muse. Home to medieval ruins and plenty of priceless artefacts from around the world, the Louvre also happens to be the largest museum in the world. For those looking to make their most of their time, you may well want to purchase a skip-the-line timed entrance ticket to the Louvre.

Highlights of the Louvre that aren’t the Mona Lisa include the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the rather sumptuous Napoleon III Apartments. If you want to skip the Louvre and fancy seeing a smaller, offbeat museum instead, then I highly recommend seeing the Musée Jacquemart André or exploring the Musée National Gustave Moreau. For more practical information, check out my guide to things to know before visiting the Louvre

Spend the afternoon exploring Île de la Cité

After visiting the Louvre, head on further down the river toward Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis. As one of the first places in Paris to be inhabited, Île de la Cité is as rich in history as the flavour of its world-famous Berthillon ice cream. If you’re looking to explore more of this fantastic district of Paris, then my free and self-guided walking tour provides you with a complete Parisian itinerary for the area.

First things first, forget Italian gelato and pick up the Parisian speciality of lemon sorbet. Unfortunately, due to the terrible fire of Notre Dame, the church that dominates this district is closed for the foreseeable future. Luckily, there are plenty of other hidden gems worth checking out, such as the Gravestone Courtyard in Paris(26 Rue Chanoinesse).

In mid-spring, Île de la Cité (and specifically Square Jean XXIII) is an incredible place to see some of the best cherry blossoms in Paris. Other highlights of Île de la Cité include the chance to see the oldest clock in Paris, as well as some of the most beautiful medieval stained glass windows in the world in the form of Sainte Chapelle.

While on the little island, you may well also want to head to the cutest coffee shop in Paris, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole for a quick coffee (or glass of wine depending on the time). Nearby, Rue des Chantres is one of the narrowest streets in the city and is one of the few remaining locations where you can glean a true sense of medieval Paris.

Spend the late afternoon/ evening wandering around Le Marais

One of the must-see Parisian arrondissements, Le Marais is one of the only parts of the city to have escaped the complete and utter overhaul of Parisian architecture by Haussmann in the 19th-century. Instead, the area comprising of the 3e and 4e arrondissements of the city maintains its historic and medieval vibe.

Highlights of this area of the city include treading in the footsteps of Nicolas Flamel (yes, that guy from Harry Potter was a real person and he lived in Paris!), seeing a former medieval mansion which has since been transformed into a public library (Hôtel de Sens), and of course, enjoying a picnic in the oldest public planned square in Paris, Place des Vosges.

Enjoy the sunset by going up the Arc de Triomphe

If you time your visit right, then you’ll be rewarded with what is probably the best sunset view the city has to offer. So, if you’re looking to splurge out on one panoramic view while in Paris (and don’t feel like waiting hours to go up the Eiffel Tower!) then make it a trip to the Arc de Triomphe.

For, after paying the fee and ascending the spiralling staircase, you’ll be rewarded with picture-perfect views of the city, including onto the Eiffel Tower itself. If you want to save time and make the most of your 72 hours in Paris, then you may also want to purchase this skip the line pass for the Arc de Triomphe.

Day Two in the French Capital: Chic Paris Itinerary

Whereas day one in Paris involved waking before the crack of dawn (quite literally) in order to see the sunrise over Paris, day two of this three-day itinerary will allow you a little rest before going out to explore for the day. Day two is all about wandering around the chicest areas of the city and seeing where all the writers and artists would hang out in the 20th-century…

Spend the morning Exploring Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Paris’ Chicest neighbourhood is the place to go if you fancy heading to the shops and splashing out on a wearable souvenir. It also happens to be one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the city for taking photos. And so, if you’re looking to capture some photos with no people in them, the earlier you go out, the better!

Saint Germain comprises of the 6th district of the city and focuses on a church of the same name, the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Highlights of this district include oodles of quaint coffee shops, many luxury hotels, countless antique stores and the church of Saint Sulpice (which was featured in the Da Vinci Code).

Enjoy a light bite (or refreshments) at Café de Flore

While in the 6th arrondissement, be sure to visit at least one historic coffee shop. My personal recommendation? Café de Flore. And yes, while this bistro and restaurant is a little on the pricier side of things, wander in at any given moment and you can expect to be greeted with exceptional service and a mouth-watering wine list.

First opened in the 1880s during the Third Republic, Café de Flore is easily one of the oldest coffeehouses in the French capital and has since become an institution of the city in its own right. As such, over the years it has gained such a reputation that it has been frequented by many a famous person, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus.

Spend early afternoon ascending the Panthéon

You can’t visit Paris and not check out the city from above at least once (or twice!)… The Paris Panthéon has everything you want from a Parisian attraction: culture, history and a whole lotta beautiful architecture. It’s the final resting place of great French patriots such as Marie Curie and Voltaire.

Most days, there are guided tours up the dome of the Panthéon where you can spy 360-degree views of the city from above. Other highlights of the Paris Pantheon include the Fouque pendulum, as well as many murals and frescoes depicting Paris’ patron Saint, Saint Genevieve. After all, the mausoleum was once a church dedicated to the Saint.

Nearby, head to the small church tucked away behind the Panthéon (that of Saint Étienne du Mont) and you’ll soon discover the last surviving rood screen in a Parisian church. Other treasures worth noting are some fantastic stained glass windows in the back rooms and the fact that a gilt gold and glass coffin in an often overlooked chapel actually houses the relics of Saint Genevieve herself.

Spend the afternoon taking a day trip to Versailles

Of course, no three days in Paris itinerary would be complete without at least a quick mention of the Royal Palace of Versailles and perhaps even a day trip to the Royal City! Best seen any day other than Monday (when the Palace, Grand Trianon, and Petit Trianon are in fact closed), the Palace of Versailles may well be the most famous château in the world. Purchase your Versailles tickets here in advance.

Versailles started out as a small hunting lodge in the Middle Ages (much like the Palace of Fontainebleau). However, all this changed when Louis XIV decided he needed to own the most extravagant palace in Europe. No wonder he’s often referred to as the Sun King!

Day Three: Offbeat Paris Itinerary

Having explored the more ‘touristy’ parts of the city, your third day in Paris is going to be more about getting to know the city at a local level. Today is all about exploring those areas which are often missed during a ‘classic’ Paris itinerary in favour of more iconic attractions like the Louvre, Notre Dame, or the Eiffel Tower. Of all the Paris itineraries included within this list, day three is probably my favourite!

Spend the morning wandering around Montmartre

Of all the things to fill your time during your long weekend in Paris, I highly recommend walking around Montmartre and soaking up the 18th arrondissement’s ambience. I promise you that you certainly won’t regret it! As the haunt of actors, writers and artists alike for decades, Montmartre has become a breeding ground of creativity and in places like Place du Tertre, you can still see artists painting en plein air to this day.

From the quirky vintage and antique shops that dot the area to the numerous cobblestoned roads, Montmartre has a completely unique vibe that’s not replicated anywhere else in the city. Plus, of course, it’s also home to the world-famous Sacré-Coeur as well as plenty of secret spots in the 18th which few ever get to visit.

Think: La Maison Rose (a coffee shop Picasso once frequented), Place Dalida (a square along the end of the prettiest street in Paris) and Square Marcel-Bleustein-Blanchet (where you’ll find the view of the Sacré-Coeur and a great green space to enjoy a picnic).

Explore the Hidden Villages of Paris

The words ‘Wine’ and ‘France’ are a pretty good pairing. That’s why I was so excited when I discovered that there are hidden vineyards throughout the city, as well as plenty of secret villages. You see, Paris used to be much smaller than it now is and the surrounding hills were populated by villages which were communities in their own right.

Today, many of these little pockets of calm remain peaceful and retain their ‘French village vibe’ to this day. Some of the best places to visit in Paris where you’ll find a life outside of Paris ambience include Butte Bergeyre, Cité Florale, and Square de Montsouris.

For lunch: pick up a pastry (or two!)

What activity is possibly more Parisian than sitting in a café and munching on a pastry? If you’re spending three days in Paris then this is an activity that you have to try! Before you leave the city of love tomorrow (or later today), make sure that you’ve at least tried one of the many tempting pastries that the city has to offer. Otherwise, check out my guide on how to order coffee in Paris so as to get your order just like a local!

Spend the afternoon visiting the Grand Department Stores & Pigalle

If you’ve chosen to spend the morning in Montmartre rather than heading to one of Paris’ secret villages, then it’s a quick walk down the hill to see another side of Paris yet again. From Montmartre, head down towards Opera.

Along the way, you’ll pass by the world-famous ‘Moulin Rouge’ and through the ‘red-light’ district of Paris. Once at the Grand Department stores, you’ll soon discover that there’s something going on all year long. Sales are state-regulated in France and so only take place during the summer and in the winter.

The two grand shopping complexes along Boulevard Haussmann are that of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. During Christmastime in the city, both stores are decked out with stunning window displays and the main art-deco cupola boasts a larger than life-sized Christmas tree which has a different theme each year. Galeries Lafayette is also home to one of the best free panoramic views in the city in the form of Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace.

Where to stay during your 3 days in Paris

If you’re looking for recommendations on where to stay during your long weekend in Paris, then we have you covered! between budget finds and luxury stays, the French Capital city has no shortage of fantastic places to stay to suit every price point. I personally recommend booking well ahead of time so as to secure the best deals, and particularly love staying in Le Marais and the Latin Quarter.

Budget accommodation in Paris

Les Piaules: If you’re looking for somewhere that’s fun, affordable, and in a vibrant area of town, then Les Piaules is located in an art deco building in my old neighbourhood! This hostel was opened by three travel enthusiasts and is decorated in an oh-so Parisian way. Check prices and availability here.

Perfect Hotel: For those who are looking to see a quirkier side of Paris on a budget, the Perfect Hotel in the 18e arrondissement is friendly, breakfast is free, and the offbeat district of Montmartre is just steps away. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range accommodation in Paris

Hotel Fabric: Nestled in the heart of the 11e arrondissement and located within an old textile factory (hence the name), this chic hotel is perfect for a weekend getaway. Nearby attractions include the trendy bars of Rue Oberkampf, as well as the place where all the Parisians hang out in the summer months, Canal Saint-Martin. Check prices and availability here.

Hotel Petit Paris: Not far from the Luxembourg Gardens and close to the Latin Quarter of the city (an area so-called because, during the Middle Ages, students of the nearby Sorbonne university would converse with one another solely in Latin), this boutique hotel is in the perfect position for exploring Paris on foot. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury accommodation in Paris

Shangri-La: If you’re looking to seriously splurge on a romantic stay during your time in the city, then this hotel faces the Eiffel Tower, is home to a 2 Michelin star restaurant and spa facilities. Check prices and availability here.

Hotel Monge: Close to the metro and with its own spa, Hotel Monge is a four-star hotel that’s not far from the Natural History Museum. Just a stone’s throw away from the Seine, this accommodation is a slice of luxury in the heart of Paris. Check prices and availability here.

Paris essentials for your French Capital itinerary

Whether you’re looking to spend three days or three weeks in Paris, you’ll need to pack a few Parisian essentials in your bag to ensure that you can make the most of your trip. Heading to Paris for the first time? Here are my very top tips for first-time visitors to Paris.

Paris guidebook: For when your phone runs out of battery or technology just fails (as it so often does), you’ll want an old-school guide book for all of the best maps, itineraries, and café suggestions the city has to offer.

French phrasebook: French is the official language of France and it can help to know a few simple French phrases before you go. Always be sure to say ‘Bonjour’ when entering a store as it’s polite and carry a small french phrasebook and dictionary with you in your bag

Books about Paris: Before you visit the City of Light, then you may well want to read some fiction and historical works and memoirs about the city. Here are my very top creme de la creme picks for the best books about Paris!

Walking tours of Paris: Like many other European capital cities, Paris is a place best explored on foot. Just be sure to bring bottles of water and suitable footwear- those cobbled lanes sure are pretty but they’re not conducive to walking well in heels! If you’re looking for a free and self-guided tour of Paris, I’ve created guides for:

Paris Museum Pass: If you want to see a number of museums and cultural sites while in the City of Light, you may well want to consider purchasing an all-in-one pass. This 2,4, or 6-day pass gives you access to over 60 museums, and in many cases, offers skip-the-line options at many of these institutions.

Comfortable shoes: When visiting any European capital city, comfortable shoes are a must. And Le Marais arrondissement of Paris is no exception. Be sure to leave your high heels at home as there are plenty of cobbled streets. I personally recommend these shoes as they go well with both jeans and dresses. I would also add that any kind of tennis shoes, i.e. ones like these, are really practical for wandering around the city.

A travel adaptor: Paris, like much of mainland Europe, uses type C and E. This means that if you’re travelling from the US, Canada, the UK, and many other countries, then you’ll need to purchase a travel adaptor. This all in one adaptor contains USB ports and works with several different plugs.

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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, Paris, pizza, and history, though not necessarily in that order. A fan of all things France related, she runs solosophie.com when she's not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming her weight in sweet food. Currently based in Paris after studies in London, she's spent most of her life living in the beautiful Devonian countryside in South West England!

Agata

1st January 2018 at 9:15 am

Hi! Great article. I love Paris and hope to go there again. I’ve noticed one thing – Marie Curie could not be a born ‘French patriot’ because she was 100% Polish. Her husband, Pierre Curie, was French but her proper name was Skłodowska. No offense, just wanted to correct it. Even though I’m sure she fell in love with this country and became a secondary patriot:) Bisous!

Hi Sophie! I’m your new reader. Love this post! I just wrote about Paris in 3 Days in my blog, and I’m just gonna say that Montmartre is definitely my favourite area in Paris! 🙂 I missed picking up pastries, though! This, I regret so much. I will surely do that the next time I visit Paris.

Robin

27th July 2017 at 5:56 am

I will be in Paris for the first time in September by myself as I head to Spain’s Camino de Santiago. I will spend two nights in Paris but do not know which area to stay in. Any recommendations are needed. I am willing to walk all over but want a centrally located place. And what airport is best to fly into?

Maree Pierrehumbert

24th May 2017 at 7:47 am

Three days, Three months, Three years is never enough to see everything Paris has to offer. Every season Paris is different. Every wrong turn you take and become lost you discover something new. That is why I love Paris!

I definitely didn’t see enough of Paris when I was there 7 years ago! I mean, I didn’t even see Sacre-Coeur up close!! Clearly, I need to make my way back to Europe 🙂 Definitely keeping your itinerary in mind for when I do venture back to France! Thanks Sophie 🙂

Merci Sophie ! My last visit to Paris was in 2000 and have never been back after, regardless living just 4 hours traintrip away.

In May, I will go there again, with my 11 y.o daughter for a 3 days mom-daughter trip. It will be her first Paris trip, so I am so happy to find your itinerary and it looks perfect for a guide to show this City of Light to my sporty girly girl

PS: I hope 7de Arr where we’ll stay during this trip is still as nice and safe as I remember it ?

I have never been to Paris but I plan to go sometimes soon. I love that you are an early traveler and managed to snap these photos in the gorgeous morning light. You made Paris look truly romantic! It’s great that besides the main attractions you discovered little hidden places too.

Oh, grabbing more than one pastry is a must in France! If only I can eat pastry for meals – but then there are lots of yummy food around the city, too! Too bad I was unable to explore Louvre that much when we were there. So this definitely makes me want to go back – if only I can!

Alisha

This is exactly what I need! I’ve never been to France, let alone Paris and I’ll finally be in a perfect position to do so after my move to London next month. It’s easy enough to know what the main attractions are, but it’s kind of overwhelming for a first time Paris visitor to organize them all into a coherent itinerary. So thanks for this! The hidden vineyard map is a really cool tip, but I wonder if they’ll be worth checking out in the winter… Then again, I’m sure I’ll visit more than once 🙂

As someone who has spent some time in Paris, this is a very good itinerary! I always end up at the Sacré-Coeur no matter what… every time I go. There’s something about that view that just slays me every time. Paris can be hard to photograph, but your pictures are so beautiful! Wonderful use of light. Hehe.

While your itinerary covered the important areas, I don’t think 3 days is enough for me to cover it. I spent a week in Paris and it’s still not enough for me. But that’s because I walk really slow and I always stop to take a photo of something. Lol. I spent one whole day just by walking around Seine River. I think I’m obsessed with Paris. :p

You captured some amazing photos of Paris! I have yet to go there… but it’s on my travel dream list! It’s always great to start off your trip with a bang (see the best sight first) when you have lots of energy! Love your blog, by the way!

Beautiful pictures! The Île de la Cité/Quartier Latin neighbourhood is definitely one of my favourites to wander around. I also had no idea the Panthéon rooftop was open to visitors, I’ll have to remember for next time when I go to Paris!

Being European is kind of awesome. The ability to jump on a plane and be somewhere as culturally rich as Paris in a couple of hours is a real privilege and this cool itinerary shows you how to do it in a weekend. Might be a little ambitious to take in all of the Parisian attractions but you’ve certainly hit some of the highlights. Great post

I spent a couple of days in Paris on a school trip and still am not comfortable telling people I’ve been to Paris, I simply didn’t see enough! This is a wonderful itenary for such a short period of time, hopefully one day I’ll be able to make it back and see more of these things!https://walkingwithdaisies.wordpress.com

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Sophie Nadeau

Travel Writer & Culture Blogger

Bonjour, ciao, and welcome to my little corner of the internet! For the past five years, I've been writing about the weird and wonderful on this travel and culture blog, with a particular focus on history, hidden gems, and offbeat adventures in Europe and beyond.

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